Des Plaines Conservation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Des Plaines Conservation Area is a nature preserve located in the state of Illinois.
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Summary
The area covers 6,400 acres and features a variety of natural habitats, including wetlands, prairies, and forests. There are several good reasons to visit the conservation area, including hiking, bird watching, and fishing. One of the most popular points of interest is the Des Plaines River, which runs through the conservation area and offers scenic views and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
Other notable features of Des Plaines Conservation Area include the Kankakee Marsh, which is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, and the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery, which is one of the largest heron rookeries in the Midwest. Visitors can also explore the many trails and boardwalks that wind through the area, offering opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape.
Interesting facts about Des Plaines Conservation Area include its role as a stopover point for migratory birds and its designation as a National Natural Landmark. The area is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake and the Hine's Emerald dragonfly.
The best time of year to visit Des Plaines Conservation Area depends on personal preferences, as each season offers unique experiences. Spring and summer are ideal for bird watching, while fall offers stunning foliage and the opportunity to see migratory birds. Winter is a good time to see bald eagles and other winter wildlife, and the conservation area offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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